Three years after the mass-vaccination phase, the focus has shifted. COVID-19 is now a circulating respiratory virus with peaks in winter and late summer. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) updates booster guidance through the year, reflecting evolving immunity, circulating strains, and risk profile. This post summarises where things stand for most people in 2026.
Who is recommended to have an annual booster
- All adults aged 65 and over.
- Adults aged 18–64 with risk conditions (immunocompromise, chronic lung, heart, kidney or neurological disease, diabetes with complications).
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 and over.
- Residents of aged care or disability care.
Who is recommended to have a six-monthly booster
- Adults aged 75 and over.
- Severely immunocompromised people of any age (per specialist advice).
Who isn’t routinely recommended for a booster
Healthy adults aged 18–64 with no risk conditions are not routinely recommended for ongoing boosters, though they remain eligible if they choose. Most people in this group have a combination of vaccine-induced and infection-acquired immunity already.
Co-administration with flu
COVID-19 and influenza vaccines can be given on the same visit, just in different arms. Many people find autumn is the most efficient time to bundle both.
What about side effects after multiple doses?
Side-effect rates after later doses are similar to or lower than earlier doses. The most common reactions remain mild, injection-site soreness, fatigue, headache, low-grade fever for 24 hours. The 15-minute observation period applies, as it does for every vaccination.
If you’ve had COVID-19 recently
Wait at least six months after a confirmed infection before a booster. A recent infection generates a broad immune response and an earlier booster doesn’t add much. Your immuniser will check timing on the day.
Where to be vaccinated
COVID-19 vaccination remains free for everyone in Australia regardless of Medicare status. You can be vaccinated at community pharmacies (including ours), GP clinics, and many local-government immunisation sessions. Booking ahead is rarely required for boosters but appreciated. Read our free flu shot eligibility post for the parallel NIP-funded flu eligibility list.
Sources & further reading
General information only. This article is educational and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Your immuniser will confirm eligibility and contraindications on the day.
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